Medicare Enrollment Process Explained

As so many changes are made in Medicare it can be confusing and frustrating trying to determine what the eligibility requirements are and what services they cover. There are a few basic guidelines that should be helpful in showing you how to apply for Medicare.
In order to meet the eligibility requirements either your spouse or you had to be employed for a minimum of ten years in some type of employment that included Medicare coverage, you must be 65 or older as well as a permanent resident or citizen of the US. There are some exceptions to the coverage criteria when it comes to people with disabilities or with certain diseases. While there is no income limits or guidelines for Medicare itself there are some requirements of a medical nature concerning delivery of any services as a person must show that they have a legitimate need for those types of services.
Medicare has two parts; Medicare Part A in considered hospital insurance and helps to pay for care that is received in a hospital, home health, hospice or nursing facility. Medicare Part B is considered medical insurance and it helps to pay for doctors, outpatient hospital care and other related medical services.
Now that you know the basics of what is required to be eligible for Medicare you need to know how to apply for it as well. You may be automatically enrolled in Medicare if you have not yet reached 65 and are already receiving Railroad Retirement benefits or Social Security. If the event that you have a disability you may automatically be enrolled beginning on the 25th month of being disabled.
Most people should enroll themeselves three months prior to their 65th birthday. By applying for Medicare early you may be able to avoid having a delay in starting your coverage. To get started applying, you should visit the local Social Security administration office and make sure you data is in order or contact the Railroad Retirement board if you or your spouse was employed by the railroad industry. A quick note, if you do not enroll for benefits during this 10 month period, you will have to wait until the first quarter of the next year.
The other piece to remember is that you will need to enroll in or apply for a Medicare Medigap program if you need supplement coverage. This means if you want help paying the copay, you need a supplemental insurance package.